Prince William's unique approach to homelessness shocked Seyi Obakin

Fifteen years ago, Seyi Obakin, the CEO of the youth homeless charity Centrepoint, shared a memorable experience with Prince William, who spent a night on the streets of London to raise awareness about homelessness. This event was kept confidential until it happened, with only a few individuals aware of the plan. They aimed to reflect the authentic experience of young homeless people, demonstrating the harsh realities faced by those without shelter. Mr. Obakin noted that the high-profile nature of the event was intended to draw attention to this pressing societal issue. Years later, Mr. Obakin expressed disappointment with the current state of homelessness in the UK. A marked increase in the number of individuals sleeping rough was evident; statistics indicated that the number of rough sleepers had more than doubled since 2010. This situation represents a significant regression in addressing homelessness, contrary to the progress that society should have made over the past decade and a half. One of the critical issues identified by Mr. Obakin is the failure of local authorities to adequately respond to the needs of at-risk youth in London. He stressed that many young individuals seeking help are often left without assistance unless they fit specific criteria, such as being care leavers or unaccompanied asylum seekers. This lack of support reflects poorly on the responsibilities of local authorities, highlighting an urgent need for change to prevent further marginalization of vulnerable youth. Additionally, Mr. Obakin proposed solutions beyond merely holding local authorities accountable. He emphasized the importance of providing resources and support systems for young people transitioning out of homelessness. Without such mechanisms, simply providing housing without additional assistance can lead to a cycle of dependence. Therefore, Centrepoint is piloting 'stepping stone homes' that require tenants to pay a living rent while offering essential support, allowing them to become more independent in the long run.